9 Most Valuable Bicentennial Quarters Priced at $20 Million – Plus 6 Rare Finds Worth Over $950,000

The Bicentennial Quarter, minted in 1976 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States’ independence, is not just a piece of history but also a valuable treasure in the world of coin collecting. While many Bicentennial Quarters are only worth their face value, certain rare varieties, due to unique errors and minting mishaps, are priced at an astonishing $20 million or more.

Some other rarities, while not as expensive, can still command prices exceeding $950,000. Let’s explore these fascinating coins, their unique features, and why they hold such immense value.

9 Most Valuable Bicentennial Quarters

1. Double Die Obverse Bicentennial Quarter

The Double Die Obverse is one of the most coveted Bicentennial Quarters, valued at $20 million. This error occurs when the design on the obverse (front) of the coin is duplicated, resulting in a noticeable doubling effect on key features like the date and the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The rarity and distinct visual appeal of this minting error make it highly sought after by collectors.

2. Off-Center Strike Quarter

Another notable error is the Off-Center Strike quarter, where the coin was struck off-center due to a misalignment in the minting process. This rare mistake causes part of the design to appear off the edge of the coin, dramatically increasing its value to an astounding $20 million. Off-center errors are a favorite among collectors because of their striking and obvious differences from normal coins.

3. Overstruck Bicentennial Quarter on 1941 Canadian Coin

An incredibly unique and rare error, the Overstruck Bicentennial Quarter, was minted on a 1941 Canadian quarter. The overlapping designs from two different countries’ coins make this a one-of-a-kind collector’s item, valued at $20 million. It is a minting mistake that occurs when a coin planchet from one mint is accidentally struck with a different coin’s design.

4. Silver Composition Bicentennial Quarter

Although Bicentennial Quarters were meant to be clad coins (with copper and nickel), a small number were struck using 40% silver, a material that had been discontinued for quarters in 1964. This rare Silver Composition Bicentennial Quarter is valued at $20 million, prized for its unexpected silver content and the historical anomaly it represents.

5. No S Proof Bicentennial Quarter

Proof coins from the San Francisco Mint typically bear the “S” mintmark, but a rare batch of No S Proof Bicentennial Quarters were minted without this mark. This error makes these coins extremely rare and valuable, commanding prices up to $20 million in the numismatic market.

6. Broadstruck Bicentennial Quarter

The Broadstruck Bicentennial Quarter is another highly sought-after error coin. In this case, the coin was struck outside the retaining collar, causing it to spread and become broader than a standard quarter. The result is a misshapen yet fascinating coin that is valued at $20 million.

7. Clipped Planchet Bicentennial Quarter

A Clipped Planchet error occurs when part of the coin’s edge is missing due to an incomplete metal blank used in the minting process. These quarters, with their clipped appearance, have become incredibly rare and valuable, now worth around $20 million.

8. Partial Collar Strike Quarter

The Partial Collar Strike error is caused when a coin is not properly seated in its minting collar, leading to an uneven edge where part of the rim is thicker than the rest. This error makes the coin visually unique and valuable, with prices reaching $20 million.

9. Multi-Struck Bicentennial Quarter

The Multi-Struck Bicentennial Quarter was struck multiple times during the minting process, causing the design to appear overlapped or distorted. Each coin with this error is unique, and collectors highly value this mistake, with the most valuable examples priced at $20 million.

Additional Bicentennial Quarters Worth Over $950,000

In addition to the top nine Bicentennial Quarters valued at $20 million, there are six other rare quarters that, while not quite as expensive, still hold significant value, with prices exceeding $950,000:

1. 1975 Dated Quarter: This coin bears the date 1975, which should not have been used for Bicentennial quarters (which were all intended to be dated 1776-1976). This rare date anomaly makes the coin worth over $950,000.
2. Misaligned Die Bicentennial Quarter: Valued at over $950,000, this error occurs when the coin’s dies are not aligned correctly during minting, resulting in a noticeable design shift.
3. Double Struck Quarter: This coin was struck twice, with the second strike being slightly off-center. Its unique, doubled design brings its value to over $950,000.
4. Struck on Wrong Planchet: When a Bicentennial Quarter is mistakenly struck on a planchet meant for another type of coin, it becomes a valuable error coin, worth more than $950,000.
5. Struck Through Error: If a foreign object interferes during the minting process, it can leave a distinctive mark on the coin. This error can raise the value of the quarter to over $950,000.
6. Foreign Coin Overstrike: These quarters were struck on foreign coin planchets, creating a fascinating blend of two different coin designs. Their rarity has pushed their value to over $950,000.

Conclusion

Bicentennial Quarters have become much more than commemorative coins—they are now valuable treasures in the world of numismatics. Whether due to minting errors, rare materials, or unexpected anomalies, these quarters have captured the attention of collectors worldwide.

With some worth up to $20 million and others valued over $950,000, these coins offer a window into both history and the rare, unpredictable world of coin collecting.

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References

• Entiger.co – 9 Rare Bicentennial Quarters Priced at $20 Million
• CSCLocator – Top 9 Rare Bicentennial Quarters